Apple updates MacBook Pro line, releases preview of latest OS X

Apple on Thursday updated its MacBook Pro line with next-gen processors, graphics and Intel's I/O technology dubbed Thunderbolt. For good measure, Apple also released the developer preview of Mac OS X Lion.

Gallery: Apple speeds up MacBook Pros

The MacBook Pro family includes the next generation of Intel's dual and quad Core processors. Apple is also adding Thunderbolt, Intel's input/output technology that supports 10 gigabits per second.

Thunderbolt is collaboration with Intel and Apple. It features two channels with transfer speeds at 10 Gbps and can attach RAID storage arrays. Thunderbolt can handle display and data on one cable. As for speed, Thunderbolt can transfer an HD movie in 30 seconds.

Other details:

• The 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,199 and features Intel's Core i5 and Core i7 processors up to 2.7 GHz. The version with 320GB of storage starts at $1,199 and the one with 500GB starts at $1,499.
• The 15-inch MacBook Pro has two models, an Core i7 version with a 500GB drive that starts at $1,799 and one with a 750GB drive at $2,199.
• A 17-inch MacBook Pro is priced at $2,499.
• The MacBook Pro features a built-in FaceTime HD camera for video calls.
• 7-hour battery life for the MacBook Pro.

The developer preview of Mac OS X Lion is also a notable development. Lion aims to have better integration with the App Store and include features from the iPad.

Key features of OS X Lion include:

• Mission Control, a feature that includes Expose, Dashboard, Spaces and full screen apps to provide a view of every app and window on the Mac.
• Launchpad, displays all Mac apps on one screen.
• New multi-touch features adopted from the iPad.